Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) tags out Dexter Fowler and then throws to first for the double play on Jose Altuve.

Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa (8) tags out Dexter Fowler and then throws to first for the double play on Jose Altuve.

Photo: Alex Brandon / Associated Press

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Ryan Zimmerman dodges the tag by Astros catcher Jason Castro and is safe at home.

Ryan Zimmerman dodges the tag by Astros catcher Jason Castro and is safe at home.

Photo: Alex Brandon / Associated Press

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Altuve making the All-Star team? That's 'a no-brainer' for Porter

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A day after Jose Altuve had four hits in his return after a three-day absence, Astros manager Bo Porter reiterated his belief that his starting second baseman deserves to go to the All-Star Game next month.

“I think it’s a no-brainer,” Porter said. “He leads the (majors) in hits. … He’s leading the league in stolen bases. I think if you get to poll the other coaches and managers that I get an opportunity to talk to, he’s the one guy that they don’t want to see in the box with the game on the line.

“Again you look at the fact that he’s only made one error the entire year and the way he’s been the catalyst of our ballclub and the resurgence of our ballclub, if that’s not an All-Star what is?”

Altuve entered the finale of the two-game set against the Nationals with 94 hits, which were six more than the quartet of players who trailed him entering Wednesday’s action. He also led the American League with 24 stolen bases despite missing four games on the last homestand.

Altuve, who was an All-Star in 2012, also might have an increased profile now that the Astros are playing better.

“I think winning obviously helps because when you’re winning people want to, I guess, look at it a little bit deeper,” Porter said. “Like, ‘OK, why is this team winning?’ So over the last few years that could hurt, but at the same time I think if you look at his body of work it’s not like Altuve is a one hit wonder.

“You’re talking about a guy who has been an All-Star. He’s done it year in and year out. His body of work pretty much speaks for itself. Let alone the performance in which he’s displayed this here 2014 season.”